For the Win32 API, that commercial companies use, I always preferred this site for beginners. Forget about the portability crap and focus on what almost every computer you run across has installed: Windows. Let C/C++ be your portability tool, not an API. Rant aside, enjoy this site.

If you're making a program, and your broad range of users are Windows users (including yourself), would you use the Win32 API for that close integration with Windows, or some cheap tool that most hobbyists would just love to use, but absolutely never used in the marketplace?

At any rate, let C/C++ be your portability tool. Who you target should be compiled to their specific OS's API. Don't want to believe me? Name me an application in retail stores that doesn't.

Kaho, use Win32 if you're targeting Windows users. There's no such thing as multiple answers. Well, maybe for hobbyists.